Excelsior SBV 1–2 PSV Eindhoven: late goal secures three points in Rotterdam thriller

PSV Eindhoven edged out Excelsior SBV 2-1 in an absorbing Eredivisie encounter on August 16, 2026, coming from behind to claim a vital away win at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion. The match had everything: an early goal, a spirited fightback, and a dramatic late winner that keeps PSV’s title charge firmly on track.

Match overview: a fast start from the hosts

Excelsior, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, took the lead inside the first fifteen minutes. A well-delivered free kick from deep was met by a towering header at the back post, giving the visiting goalkeeper no chance. The early goal lifted Excelsior’s confidence, and they very nearly scored a second when a low drive from the edge of the box whistled just wide of the post.

PSV grew into the game as the first half progressed, dominating possession and creating a string of half-chances. The equaliser came just before the interval when their talismanic winger cut inside from the right and curled a left-footed shot into the far corner. It was a moment of pure quality that shifted the momentum decisively in the visitors' favour.

Tactical story: PSV’s patient buildup overcomes Excelsior’s direct approach

Excelsior set up in a 5-4-1 low block, looking to absorb pressure and hit PSV on the counter-attack with long balls into the channels. They executed their game plan well in the opening quarter, and the goal came from a set piece, a set piece they had clearly worked on in training. PSV, however, are one of the few teams in the Eredivisie with the quality to break down a packed defence, and their patient circulation of the ball eventually created the space they needed.

Once the scores were level, PSV pressed even higher, and Excelsior were forced onto the back foot. The winning goal arrived in the 78th minute as a result of a slick passing move that sliced through the home defence, culminating in a precise finish from inside the six-yard box.

Key moments

• 15’ – Excelsior take the lead: A powerful header from a free kick stuns the PSV backline.
• 39’ – PSV equalise: A moment of individual brilliance on the right wing brings the visitors level.
• 78’ – Winning goal: A fluent attacking move seals all three points for PSV.

Standout players

• Excelsior SBV: The centre-back who scored the opener was a rock at the back all afternoon, making a series of clearances and blocks.
• PSV Eindhoven: The winger who changed the game with his equaliser was the player of the match, causing constant problems on the flank. His overall movement and creativity were too much for the Excelsior defence to handle.

Season impact

The win keeps PSV Eindhoven in the thick of the Eredivisie title race, and their ability to grind out results away from home will be crucial in the months ahead. For Excelsior, it was a gallant effort and they will feel that they deserved at least a point, but fine margins ultimately decided the contest. They will now look to bounce back and pick up points against teams nearer their own level in the table.